New era for Newman athletics begins with Kenyon Spears at the helm

He coached on the court, led from the front office, raised nearly $1 million in campaign support and partnered with brands like Adidas, Pepsi and the San Antonio Spurs. Now, Kenyon Spears is bringing his vision to Newman University as the school’s new athletic director.

Spears is a Texas native (and Longhorns fan) and earned his Bachelor of Science in communication from Lamar University in 2001, where he later was an assistant coach for the university’s NCAA Division I men’s basketball team. Spears credits this experience with being foundational for the future of his career.

That launched a decade-long coaching career at multiple Division I schools. Beyond that, Spears took on senior administrative leadership roles at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio.

During Spears’ introductory press conference, Newman University President Kathleen Jagger, Ph.D., MPH, spoke about his versatile background, saying his administrative journey “demonstrates a clear progression of increasing responsibility and impact.”

“I am so excited to be here,” Spears said as he took the stage for the first time in front of Newman athletes, coaches and the wider university community. “I believe it’s important that we live every day through the Newman mission.”

He’s eager to bring his Texas-based family into the Newman community.

In fact, before Spears’ first official day with Newman, he spent as much time with family as possible before heading to Wichita.

“I ended up driving overnight for nine hours and got here at 5 a.m., relaxed for 20 minutes and got to work,” Spears said. “My beautiful wife, Anne, and our three children will be engulfed in the Newman community — Eli, who just graduated, Mary, our 16-year-old, and our miracle baby, Avery. She is 3 years old.”

What excites Spears the most, perhaps, is a more personal connection to the university.

“One of my best friends played college basketball here and we talked a lot about Newman since when we worked together,” Spears said. “Every time he and I get together, there is always a story about Newman Athletics.”

Now, Spears will have plenty of updates to share with his old friend, starting with what he plans to focus on in his first 100 days.

“I want to make sure we are meeting enrollment needs,” Spears said. “We must make sure we are meeting the needs of all of the campus and community.”

Spears emphasized the value of face-to-face interaction.

“I want to get to know all of you face-to-face,” he said. “Eventually, our paths will cross — and I don’t want that to be our first meeting.”

When addressing student-athletes, Spears looked to members of the women’s and men’s basketball teams.

“I was a student-athlete. I understand what the rigors of a day-to-day lifestyle looks like,” he said. “You are going to see me lead by example.”

Spears reflected on how tough the jump from high school to college sports can be.

“There were tough days, but I figured it out eventually,” he said. “Having good mentors opens up opportunities.”

Spears hopes to be one of those mentors.

“I am very hands-on, and cannot wait to help and meet our athletes and build relationships with them,” he said. “To this day, I still talk to student-athletes and coaches from Lamar University in 2002.”

After the press conference concluded, Spears immediately began building those relationships, introducing himself to the student-athletes in attendance.

Newman University didn’t just hire an athletic director — it gained a visionary, teammate and relentless advocate for student success.

The game is on, and under Spears’ leadership, the Jets are ready to soar.